Description
Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Indulge in this decadent Apple Crumble Cheesecake, featuring a creamy cheesecake filled with luscious apple pie filling, topped with a crunchy crumble, and drizzled with caramel sauce. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in!
Ingredients:
For the Apple Filling:
• 5 apples, cored and peeled
• ⅔ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 tablespoons water
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 4 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with a little water
For the Crust:
• 3 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 5.2 oz unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
For the Cheesecake Filling:
• 28 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1¼ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 eggs
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For the Crumble Topping:
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup rolled oats (quick oats will work too)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ⅓ teaspoon kosher salt
• 3.1 oz unsalted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
• Slice the apples into medium-sized pieces.
• In a saucepan, combine butter, water, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until the butter melts.
• Add the apples, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the cornstarch mixture and set aside to cool.
2. Make the Crust:
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 10-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
• Pulse graham crackers in a food processor or crush them in a bag.
• In a bowl, mix crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Press evenly into the pan and bake for 7-8 minutes. Let cool.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
• Lower the oven temperature to 280°F (140°C).
• In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Add sour cream and mix well.
• Whisk eggs in a small bowl, then gradually add to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until smooth.
• Sift in cornstarch and mix until combined.
4. Make the Crumble Topping:
• In a bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until combined.
5. Assembly:
• Pour half of the cheesecake mixture onto the crust, then layer with the apple filling.
• Pour the remaining cheesecake mixture on top and sprinkle with the crumble topping.
• Bake for about 1 hour, until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly. Leave the oven door open for 1-2 hours to cool.
6. Chill and Serve:
• Wrap cooled cheesecake in plastic and refrigerate for at least 5 hours.
• Carefully release from the pan, then drizzle with caramel sauce or dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Prep Time: 40 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour | Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 14 slices | Calories: 720 kcal per slice
This Apple Crumble Cheesecake is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, sure to be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy!
#lovealletherecipes #dessert
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for a perfect cheesecake. First, prepare the apple filling completely and let it cool to room temperature—this prevents it from melting the crust. For the crust, press the crumb mixture firmly up the sides of the springform pan to create a sturdy base. When making the filling, ensure all ingredients, especially the cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature to avoid a lumpy batter. During assembly, gently spoon the apple filling over the first cheesecake layer to prevent it from sinking. The key to a crack-free top is the slow, low-temperature bake and the gradual cooling in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Serve each slice with a generous drizzle of warm caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a festive touch, garnish with a few thin apple slices that have been lightly caramelized in a pan with butter and sugar. A dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon also make excellent accompaniments. This dessert pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of dessert wine.
How-to Summary
This dessert combines three layers: a spiced graham cracker crust, a vanilla cheesecake layer swirled with homemade cinnamon-apple filling, and a buttery oat crumble topping. The process involves making each component separately before layering and baking at a low temperature. The cheesecake must then cool gradually and chill thoroughly to achieve the ideal creamy, sliceable texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought apple pie filling? Yes, you can use a 21-ounce can to save time. Drain some of the excess syrup to prevent a soggy crust.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy? Ensure the apple filling is completely cool before assembly. Pre-baking (blind baking) the crust for 7-8 minutes also creates a moisture barrier.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time? Absolutely. Bake it 1-2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. Add the caramel drizzle just before serving.
Why did my cheesecake crack? Rapid temperature change is the most common cause. Avoid overmixing the batter after adding eggs, and always use the gradual cooling method described in the instructions.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes. Wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake (without caramel drizzle) tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold ingredients for the filling, which leads to an uneven, lumpy batter.
- Overmixing the cheesecake batter once the eggs are added, as this incorporates too much air and can cause cracking.
- Opening the oven door during baking, which causes a sudden drop in temperature.
- Not letting the cheesecake chill for the full recommended time, resulting in a runny texture that won’t slice cleanly.
- Pressing the crumble topping into the cheesecake batter instead of sprinkling it loosely, which prevents it from baking into a proper crumb.
Conclusion
This Apple Crumble Cheesecake is the ultimate celebration dessert, masterfully layering comforting apple pie flavors with rich, creamy cheesecake and a delightful crunchy topping. While it requires patience for cooling and chilling, the impressive result is well worth the effort. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can confidently create a stunning, professional-quality dessert that will earn rave reviews from every guest.